I shoot a Reflex Excursion (Reflex is made by Hoyt) and it is set at 43#. I am 5'2" and had no trouble drawing that much from the beginning. Now that it is Spring and I am out practicing more I am planning on upping the poundage gradually. I love my bow and it was 300 and something last year at Cabela's for the bow, sight, rest, and quiver (I don't remember if that was a special or what but it was a package deal -- and I can't find it on their web site now). I have since replaced the arrow rest with a whisker biscuit and added a peep site. I wanted one that would move up with me and I did not want to invest major money in a first bow (in case I got into it and did not like it). I also looked at the Parker bows and shot a couple that were nice but fell in love with the excursion and that was that. A friend of ours got a Parker for his wife and she loves it. I would suggest taking her to a store that carries bows and have her try them out for herself. I know a major thing for me was the grip ... I have small hands and what felt wonderful to my husband was too large for me to even think about using!

And, even though I do hunt, I think one of the best things about this was the time I get to spend with my husband now. Before I would stay home when his friends got together to practice and I was doing something else when he was practicing at home but now I get to tag alone (probably should mention I am a tomboy from way back) and I love practicing with him and his friends in addition to the time we spend practicing at the house.

Good luck finding a bow and have fun!

Shannon